Saint Fan CaM

Sorry, but that arguement is flawed.... a. You cannot isolate Norwich and Saints because of the -10 pt deduction alone - the reason Saints didn't get into the play-offs actually was because 6 other teams had VERY good seasons. AP could do NOTHING about that, because we beat most of those teams anyway! b. We started the season with a poor, poor squad. AP has had to spend significant money to persuade decent players to come here to get us into a mentality and league position that MIGHT be able to gain promotion at the first attempt. The squad was SERIOUSLY damaged goods when he arrived on the scene and without the significant changes he's made we would not be anywhere near the play-offs - in fact we would quite likely be relegated again.

Great post - completely agree. The addition of Inigo C may be an inspired choice by the scouts - let's face it they will be tracking the guy in games we will not have seen and reporting back that he's got potential to improve the squad. I have no doubt that he will make a difference, however I've felt that Semi could develop into a good player like Harding has (let's face it, DH faced some flak on here when he first joined).

There is one huge reason why AP should be given more time - MOMENTUM. No matter who the manager might be, he will need time to build up momentum in tactics, team mentality, coaching disciplines etc etc. AP has done that - ticked all the boxes - and to discard that for the sake of 6 months when we're one year into a 5 year plan would IMO be incredibly short-sighted and foolhardy at best. I just cannot believe NC would contemplate this scenario at this stage of the big plan unless there is something personal going on with AP - not out of the question I suppose, but I suspect it's all rumour mill nonsense.

This. Nothing more.

Yes, they do and I agree it should only mean good things for the squad. But I don't think Semi has been that bad TBF to be dropped to the bench.

I was talking in terms of how early we've started to make a move to get the squad sorted for next season already. It's been a LONG time since we've been linked with signing a decent player BEFORE the close season even starts. Nothing wrong with setting a high bar and communicating that level of intent with actions rather than words surely?!

Fixed it for you.

Cannot see Hughes taking over TBF. Director of football perhaps?

Great signing if true and quite a stunning statement of intent from the club. I think this signals the end of Murtys career and a wave goodbye to James too perhaps. Not sure what Semi's going to think playing 2nd fiddle to the new signing though - could it break team spirit?

I think most people thought that it was a bit much and in some way ruined the atmosphere, however in a strange way it woke the crowd up and the team started looking like it might win the game! And yes, I hope the complete morons who ran on got some satisfaction. Juvenile delinquents the lot of 'em!

I hope Leeds stay down...(a) because I don't like what they've become, (b) can't stand cheating, diving Beckford, and most importantly © if Leeds go up to the CCC they will have a good chance of strengthening there with the gates they get, making it harder for us when we go up.

Robert Pires? Great midfielder. OK, so he's 36, but very able to put in 2 season's for Saints and help us into the Prem at the first attempt. Wages would be a big problem though I suspect.

Completely agree with the OP. Even beyond the results, I think AP is the right man in terms of personna for this club - I just like the way he comes across and I can see why the players must hold some respect for him. He's a football man through and through and knows what fans want to experience. Having said all that, I really do not believe AP's job is in danger and will not be questioned until January 2011. I have not seen or heard any real evidence of NC/AP friction everyone writes about - just an old story about NC being disappointed with the placement of the team in the league. So what - pretty natural really? We're not conditioned to thinking this way I know - but just a little bit of patience and belief in the strategy, the manager and the team is what is needed over the next 3-4 years. By then, I think it will be perfectly clear that even with a couple of spells where we take one step back to take two forward, this club is destined for a long and successful future under ML/NC and AP.

Well that will put a damper on my £250 bet winnings when Rickie scores first in a 4-1 win! Oh well, small sacrifice I suppose.

It's not worked for me all day - just tried again and surprise, surprise it's still not working. Boo. (;

What a shambles that club really is. Dirty and smelly to the core. But it seems they just may get away with the biggest scandal in British footballing history. If they win the FA Cup I cannot imagine what the fallout might be given they really shouldn't be there in the first place. Disgusting cheats.

That's a very good point that I had missed TBH. Will not stop me getting mine mind you, however I always liked the fact that by November the seat was all paid up. If they release and we can buy before end May, I suppose with 6 payments it will still finish before Xmas?

Rubbish story - we've given it enough time on here already.

It beggars belief that the club has been allowed to continue in business. Their continued involvement in the FA Cup has sullied a supposed National treasure. Talk about double standards - any other club that has gone into administration must be seething at what Pimpley have gotten away with, including fielding players they could not afford while trading insolvently. And on that point, why have Directors like Storrie not gone to jail - I thought trading insolvently was a crime? The sooner HMRC act to drive the last nail into the coffin the better. Lets face it - the FA and FL don't have the collective balls to do the right thing.

Must win game. :smt043 Anyhow, Rickie will get his prize. Hopefully we'll see the JPT paraded around by the players and AP. It would be good to see an end of season message from Markus or NC setting out their visions for the club during the summer and next season. I hope we win 4-1 with Rickie scoring first. Big money if that happens. Head says a lazy day 2-1 win. Think we'll see all the regular 1st teamers so probably Fonte and Jaidi/Seaborne at CB, with Semi and Harding making up the defence. Midfield I would say Antonio or Puncheon, Lallana and Hammond in the middle. Wouldn't like to call Hammonds partner - don't think it will be Gillet, James or Wotton to start but who knows? Up front it will be Lambo and Connolly I suspect as I think Barnie has an ankle injury. Can't wait for the game TBH - seems like ages since the last one - and I'm going to be somewhat deflated at the end knowing its the last one. Come on you white 'n red saches!

I am sure I'm not the only one wondering what's happening about ST renewals this season - after all, in the past early bird has been and gone by now. Then it dawned on me - perhaps NC is holding back on ST sales because there will be disruption to some ST holders in the Chapel/Kingsland corner when the away fans are moved and there will be new ST availability in the Northam when the away fans vacate sometime after this Saturdays game. There will be lots of changes to building infrastructure, marketing blurb, tickets, stadium map etc. to deal with and then introduce. If this is the case, I can't see new ST's being made available for at least a couple of weeks into close season. Thoughts?

Great news - my vote won. (:

This is the real story.

This. And I am really looking forward to the close season and all that that brings to the club. Not felt as excited about a close season and new season PRIOR to the old one finishing for....well, years and years.

Disgusting abuse of wealth and privelage?